Times The UK Press Overtly Favored Kate Middleton Over Meghan Markle
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been quite public about the reasons behind their decision to leave the palace. One of the biggest drives was the media, which seemed to have it out for Meghan. Looking at the way the UK press reports on Kate Middleton compared to Meghan makes it clear that a double standard certainly does exist. Read on to see what we mean.
Kate's Avocados "Cure" Morning Sickness
On September 14, 2017, the Express published an article titled, "Kate's morning sickness cure? Prince William gifted with an avocado for pregnant Duchess." The article proceeded to recount an adorable story about a little boy Prince William met at a Merseyside pool.
The four-year-old handed him an avocado to give to Kate, stating that his mother was also experiencing morning sickness. Prince William promised to give the avocado to Kate to see if it helped, but the article didn't follow up on whether or not it worked.
Meghan's Avocados Are "Linked To Human Rights Abuse"
A year and a half after deeming Kate's gifted avocado a "morning sickness cure," the Express slammed Meghan Markle for enjoying the same exact food. On January 23, 2019, they published an article titled, "Meghan Markle's beloved avocado linked to human rights abuse and drought, millennial shame."
It accused Meghan of "wolfing down" avocados that are causing "environmental devastation." The proof they provided amounted to little more than mentioning the fruit's "green gold" nickname in Mexico. Still, the author ruthlessly implied that Meghan's avocado toast is connected to the cartels south of the border.
Kate’s Bouquet “Follows Royal Code”
On April 29, 2011, The Guardian published an article titled “Kate Middleton’s homegrown bouquet of lily of the valley follows royal code.” It stated that her bouquet was “so seasonal it could have been plucked from gardens on the way.”
The article praised Kate for using British flowers, especially since it encourages others to “buy British.” The author also commended the Duchess for picking her bouquet based on Queen Victoria’s floral code, which gives a special meaning to every flower.
Meghan’s Bouquet “Put Princess Charlotte’s Life At Risk”
While the press was over-the-moon about Kate's bouquet, Meghan's was deemed a safety hazard. On October 13, 2019, the Express published an article titled, "Royal wedding: How Meghan Markle's flowers may have put Princess Charlotte's life at risk."
The article came out more than a year and a half after the wedding and stated that the lily of the valley flowers were "highly poisonous." These are the exact same flowers that were said to "follow royal code" when Kate included them in her wedding. Meghan was criticized for including them in her bridesmaids' headbands, claiming that they are unsafe around children.
“Kate Tenderly Cradles Her Baby Bump”
On March 22, 2018, Daily Mail published an article titled, “Not long to go! Pregnant Kate tenderly cradles her baby bump while wrapping up her royal duties ahead of maternity leave - and William confirms she’s due ‘any minute now.’” The article noted that she would be attending a symposium related to child mental health.
One of the photos was captioned, “Bumping along nicely! The Duchess was seen placing a protective hand on her tummy as she exited the event.” It also called the mother-to-be “radiant” and even compared her style to that of the Queen.
Meghan “(Can’t) Keep Her Hands Off Her Bump”
Less than a year after stating that Kate was “tenderly cradling” her baby bump, the Daily Mail took a very different tone regarding Meghan Markle performing the exact same action. Their January 26, 2019 article was titled, “Why can’t Meghan Markle keep her hands off her bump?
Experts tackle the question that has got the nation talking: Is it pride, vanity, acting - or a new age bonding technique?” Notice that this title omitted the word “baby.” The article went on to call Meghan’s hand placement “virtue signaling” and to call her the “Duchess of Showbiz.”
Kate And Will's Christmas Is "Private"
When Prince William and Kate elected to spend Christmas with the Middletons, the Daily Mail broke the news with a charmingly titled article: "Carole wins granny war! Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will spend second 'private' Christmas with the Middleton family rather than joining the Queen at Sandringham."
The author nonchalantly mentioned that the couple would be skipping the palace festivities to be with Kate's family (pictured) instead. The article maintained a lighthearted tone, mentioning that Kate's brother would also "join in on the fun." It also reassured that the Queen would have plenty of other offspring around in their absence.
Meghan And Harry's Christmas Is A "Baffling Festive Absence"
While the Daily Mail reported on Kate and William's Christmas absence like it was no big deal, they were "baffled" when Meghan and Harry did the same thing only three years later. They published an article titled, "Doesn't the Queen deserve better than this baffling festive absence?
Richard Kay examines the impact of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision not to spend Christmas with the royal family." The author goes on to imply that the couple's decision was insensitive due to the Queen's age. They then imply that the couple is "slipping away" from the family, writing that their absence "will be a matter of profound regret."
Kate's Wedding Candles Were "Luxury"
On May 4, 2011, the Daily Mail published an article titled, "Ladies in waiting! Kate's £70 wedding day fragrance sells out as fans worldwide snap up last bottles." It detailed not only the perfume Kate wore on her big day, but also the candles she special ordered for it.
The author wrote that the Duchess ordered luxury candles to "scent the Abbey" and to be used in the royal bathroom and VIP bathrooms. The article even listed the specific scents Kate chose, which included the "ever-popular" Lime, Basil & Mandarin.
Meghan's Wedding Air Fresheners "Kicked Up A Stink"
When it came time for Meghan Markle's big day, the Daily Mail felt very differently about her attempt to scent the chapel. Their article, published November 30, 2018, was titled, "Kicking up a stink: 'Dictatorial' bride Meghan wanted air fresheners for 'musty' 15th-century St. George's Chapel... but the Palace said no."
The author implied that a diva-like Meghan wanted air fresheners because the musty smell wasn't "good enough" for her. They claimed that the royal staff, who she's "unpopular with," turned her down. They even quoted a source saying, "I don't believe a request of that nature had been made before," even though Kate used candles at the Abbey seven years prior.
Kate And Will's Trademarks "Protect Their Brand"
On Janauray 17, 2014, the Daily Mail published an article commending Prince William and Duchess Kate for creating companies to protect their brands. The article was titled, "Kate and Wills Inc: Duke and Duchess secretly set up companies to protect their brand - just like the Beckhams."
The author explained, "It will enable William and Kate to sell officially-endorsed products and take action against anyone selling items that could harm their image." They stated that the move is something celebrities often do, including Victoria and David Beckham.
Meghan And Harry's Trademarks Are A "Royal Cash In"
While the Daily Mail made Kate and William's choice to create personal companies seem wise, they took a different tone when Meghan and Harry did the same. On January 9, 2020, the press published an article titled, "A right royal cash in!
How Prince Harry and Meghan Markle trademarked over 100 items from hoodies to socks SIX MONTHS before split with monarchy - with new empire worth up to £400m." The author implied that the couple did so to support their split from the royal family, neglecting to point out that Kate and Will did the same thing while remaining palace officials.
Kate's Style Is "Fab" And "Sizzling"
On June 14, 2019, the Daily Mail published an article wherein columnist Sarah Vine complimented Kate Middleton's style evolution. The lengthy title starts with "How Kate went from drab to fab!" and ends, "the Duchess of Cambridge's secrets to looking sizzling."
In it, Vine states that Meghan Markle's "star quality" served to emphasize how "grounded" and "grown-up" Kate is. She complimented Kate's "discreet" profile contrasted to the "contrived" Meghan. The author also noted that Kate's "dazzling super-chic outfits" are impressive but don't make her seem "fashion-obsessed."
Meghan's Guest Editorship Of Vogue Is Not "True Royalty"
Only a month and a half after praising Kate's style, Daily Mail columnist Sarah Vine slammed Meghan for her guest editorship at Vogue. Vine's icy article was titled, "My memo to Meghan Markle following her Vogue editorial - we Brits prefer true royalty to fashion royalty."
The article was written as a letter and stated, "I don't know who is advising you, but I suggest you ask them to stop." Vine went on to put down Meghan's refurbishment choices for the Frogmore Cottage, her "secrecy" regarding son Archie, and her inspirational women choices for Vogue.
Kate's Fight For Mental Health Is Charitable
On April 19, 2017, The Sun ran an article titled, "Stiff upper flip: Prince William blasts monarchy's 'stiff upper lip' tradition and backs Harry's admission of his mental anguish after death of mother Diana." The article proceeds to explain Will's decision and paint him as a family man.
The author quotes the prince saying that he and Kate want their children to be able to express their emotions. They go on to highlight the charities that the couple has participated with to aid the very serious problems associated with mental health.
Meghan's Fight For Mental Health Is "Generation Therapy"
Two and a half years after reporting on William and Kate's charitable involvement in mental health, The Sun resurfaced the question about royals expressing emotion. They ran an article titled "Prince Harry and Meghan ditched British stiff upper lip - is this a good thing? Sun parents and kids are torn."
Rather than relating the story back to Princess Diana and charity work, the article called Harry and Meghan "fragile" and accused them of "(flying) the flag of Generation Therapy." The article brought into question whether or not they should be allowed to show emotion given their position of privilege.
Kate's Wedges Are "Versatile"
On June 25, 2019, InStyle published an article titled, "Kate Middleton Just Proved That These Are the Most Versatile Shoes of the Summer." The article commented on the Duchess' pairing of a paisley dress with a pair of wedges.
It noted that she wore the same shoes while taking the Queen to a flower show. The author not only had a positive view of Kate's willingness to re-wear the wedges, but also commended the Duchess for "(making) a strong case for the most versatile shoes."
Meghan's Wedges "Broke Royal Shoe Protocol"
While InStyle was all for Kate wearing her "versatile summer shoes," the publication condemned Meghan for wearing the same pair the fall prior. They published an article titled, "Meghan Markle Broke Royal Shoe Protocol at Bondi Beach."
The curt tone of the title is very different from the whimsical take on Kate's shoes. To top it off, the article goes back on what they claimed in the title by admitting that wedges aren't actually against royal rules. Still, they claim the shoe is "taboo" and that the Queen doesn't prefer them, which wasn't mentioned when Kate wore them to take out the Queen.
Kate's Christening Date Was "Mutually Agreed" Upon
On July 9, 2018, the Daily Mail published an article titled, "Beaming Kate gazes lovingly at sleeping Prince Louis as she and William attend his christening in their first appearance as a family of five (but the Queen misses big day)."
The article goes on to explain that Kate and the Queen had "mutually agreed" upon the date, even though it meant the Queen would have to miss the special day. The author blamed the Queen's "packed royal schedule" for her absence, but listed the many who did attend.
Meghan's Christening Date "Should Have Been Planned Better"
Exactly a year after the Daily Mail excused Kate for planning a christening the Queen couldn't attend, the press put down Meghan for doing the same thing. The article's long title begins, "Revealed: The Queen won't be at Archie's christening because Meghan, Harry and the mystery godparents planned to baptize him TODAY."
The article goes on to at least acknowledge that the new date was decided at a family conference and that the Queen wasn't at Prince Louise's christening either. However, it then implies that the Queen having to miss this event is worse because it's Harry's firstborn.
Kate "Perfectly" Matches The Queen
On March 2, 2012, the Mirror published an article that praised Kate Middleton for not only knowing what to wear to tea with the Queen, but for matching her royal highness. The article was titled "Kate's stylish coat co-ordinated perfectly with the Queen" and included a photo of the two. The queen wore a powder-blue ensemble with a matching hat.
Kate had on a dark blue coat that the article claimed she bought at a discount store, calling her "thrifty." The author wrote, "Looking relaxed and elegant, (Kate's) outfit was perfect for what looked like a fun official engagement with the girls."
Meghan Got In "Big Trouble" For Not Matching The Queen
Even though Kate's outfit didn't exactly match with the Queen's and didn't include a hat, the same press that overlooked those things slammed Meghan for her attire six years later. The Mirror published an article titled, "How Meghan Markle's confusion over a hat nearly got her into big trouble with the Queen."
The article goes on to explain that Meghan had been told that the Queen was going to wear a green hat to Chester as a mark of respect. Meghan didn't wear one, which supposedly "baffled" the Queen, even though she was pictured laughing with Meghan at the event.
Kate Is Still "Normal" Despite Refusing Pictures
On October 28, 2019, the Express published an article praising Kate for shopping for her children's Halloween costumes since it makes her more "relatable." The author wrote, "While some mothers may feel pressure to make their children's Halloween costumes by hand, it seems Kate is unbothered by this and happy to buy the supermarket kind."
Fellow shoppers couldn't believe they were seeing royalty in an everyday store. However, Kate did have a bodyguard there who made sure no one took photos. Nevertheless, one shopper stated, "It was so lovely to see her doing normal stuff that you and I do."
Meghan Is "Theatrical" For Refusing Pictures
Three months before the Express called Kate down-to-Earth for shopping with a bodyguard and refusing pictures, the press rebuked Meghan for refusing photos at a tennis match. The press published an article titled, "'Strongly theatrical air' to Meghan's Wimbledon visit - 'fully enjoying role as A-lister.'"
The author accused Meghan of having a "show-business vibe" due to her sunglasses and hat. The article also quoted Piers Morgan, who called the no-pictures request "absurd," and a body-language expert, who felt Meghan looked posed for pictures.
